Pakistan is likely to make one big change in the 35th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India, on Saturday.
Looking at the favourable pace conditions, Babar Azam-led unit may go with four fast bowlers, meaning Hasan Ali will mark his return in the playing XI over leg-spinner Usama Mir.
The decision will be taken after carefully analysing the pitch and weather conditions in the morning as there is a 50% chance of rain in Bengaluru tomorrow.
Usama returned to the playing XI against South Africa in Chennai after Shadab Khan had a concussion during the first over of the Proteas' innings.
After missing the match against Bangladesh, Shadab has now returned to training but the team's medical panel has not made any decision on the all-rounder's participation in Saturday's match and he will, once again, be assessed by the panel tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq felt discomfort in his neck and didn't take part in Friday's training.
Other than Shadab and Imam, all of Pakistan's players are fit to participate in the important match.
Pakistan's likely lineup against New Zealand:
Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Mohammad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
It is worth mentioning that New Zealand face Pakistan in a crucial World Cup match amid injuries to the main players.
Five of their playing XI players — Kane Williamson, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Mark Chapman and James Neesham — are either out or remain a doubt for the game against Pakistan.
Williamson — who fractured his thumb against Bangladesh in Pune —will have to undergo a fitness test before the Black Caps can make a decision on his participation in a significant match.
Meanwhile, Henry was ruled out of the tournament following a torn hamstring and he has now been replaced by Kyle Jamieson, who may feature against the Men in Green.
According to New Zealand Cricket, other injured players, including pacer Lockie Ferguson, all-rounder James Neesham and batter Mark Chapman, will also have to pass fitness tests before the Pakistan match.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.